FG To Recruit Thousands Of Youth As Firefighters To Combat Unemployment

The Federal government has announced plans to bolster its firefighting sector by recruiting numerous Nigerian youths, aiming to alleviate unemployment and enhance the country’s firefighting capabilities.

During the unveiling of new firefighting equipment, which included 16 trucks and six vehicles at the Federal Fire Service Headquarters in Abuja, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, expressed the government’s commitment to this initiative.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the delay in hiring more firefighters stems from the need to enact modernized firefighting laws in Nigeria. He stressed that the focus should be on preventing fire outbreaks and protecting lives, property, and individuals during emergencies, rather than simply responding to fires.

The Minister highlighted the importance of forthcoming legislation in determining the required number of firefighters and their deployment across public infrastructure in Nigeria.

He argued that a country’s level of development is reflected in the size of its firefighting force, asserting that as Nigeria aims to become a top global economy, it must expand its firefighting capabilities.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo drew a comparison with the United States, where New York and Los Angeles have significantly larger numbers of firehouses and fire stations, hosting over a million firefighters, including both employed and volunteer personnel.

The proposed bill before the National Assembly, once approved, is expected to revolutionize firefighting in Nigeria, shifting the focus towards proactive measures and prevention rather than mere firefighting.

The Minister stressed the need for the Federal Fire Service to collaborate closely with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enhance the safety of firefighting personnel and reduce attacks during their legitimate duties.

Engineer Jaji Abdulganiyu, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, revealed impressive statistics from the first and second quarters of 2023, which showcased the service’s successful efforts in fire prevention, lives saved, and property preservation.

With the introduction of state-of-the-art firefighting equipment, including advanced firefighting trucks and Ford Rapid Response Vehicles (RRV), the Federal Fire Service anticipates achieving even greater results in the future.